Charles "Dan" Daniel Sharp

Charles Daniel “Dan” Sharp, 72, of Puyallup, Washington, passed away peacefully in August 2026. Dan was born June 6th, 1954, the firstborn of seven children to Charles “Chuck” Sharp and Karen Petersen. He spent much of his youth helping on the family farm in Olympia, where he also raised turkeys through 4-H and FFA. After graduating from Olympia High School in 1972, Dan attended Olympic College in Bremerton, where he studied art. His artistic ability remained part of his life in many forms, from drawing and design to the practical creativity he brought to his work. From 1976 to 2001, Dan was deeply involved in growing and showing dahlias through various associations. He developed extensive knowledge of dahlia growing and was always willing to share what he knew with others. Dan’s professional path eventually led him into the fair industry. In his twenties, he served for five years as a volunteer board member of the Thurston County Fair. While working for Western Farmers as a pesticide consultant, a connection in Grays Harbor County helped lead him to an opportunity there. His work expanded to include tourism and eventually brought him to the Grays Harbor County Fair, beginning a career in fair administration that would span decades. As a third-generation fair administrator, Dan continued a family tradition that became a major part of his life. He served as manager/director of the Grays Harbor County Fair from 1987 to 1998 before joining the Washington State Fair as Vendor Services Manager, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. Even after retiring, he continued some contract work and remained involved in the fair community. Dan was active in professional fair organizations at both the state and national level. He served as president of the Washington State Fair Association in 1998 and, in October 2021, was recognized by the association for 40 years of service to the fair industry. His decades of experience, knowledge, and relationships made him a familiar presence in Washington’s fair community, and his impact will be remembered by many of the people who worked with and learned from him.

In retirement, Dan enjoyed traveling, touring fairs, spending more time with family, and especially not having to be on a schedule. He became active with Kiwanis and the Puyallup Main Street Association. Dan was laid-back, straightforward, and not easily bothered—but if something did bother him, he would let you know. He was knowledgeable about an extraordinary range of subjects and always had insight to share. At home, Dan could often be found with a book in hand. A voracious reader, he could finish a new book cover to cover every few days. His interests ranged widely, including biographies, history, mysteries, crime and thrillers, law, fiction, and science fiction and fantasy. He kept up with current events, was technically savvy, and had an interest in ancestry.

Dan is survived by his father, Charles “Chuck” Sharp (Viki); mother of his son Tommy, Sherry Garrett, former spouse Edith Young; his children, Tommy Daniel Elmer (Debbie) of Sweet Home, Oregon, Danell Jo Sharp-Harbin (James) of Ocala, Florida, Jeremy Daniel Sharp (Rebecca Schmidt) of Seattle, Washington, and Justine Marie Sharp of Olympia, Washington; his siblings, Ed (Ann), Kathi (Mike) Hickman, Dennis (Janice), and Kris (Tony) Plant; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law Tammie; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first spouse, Aimee Sue Hale; his son, Charles “Damian”; his mother, Karen Ann; and his brothers, Rod and Jeff.

Dan lived a life rooted in family, fairs, dahlias, books, knowledge, and routines that were unmistakably his own. His experience and stories—and the straightforward way he shared both—will be remembered by those who knew him. A private family memorial will be held in November. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the Washington State Fair Association: https://www.thefair.com/foundation/ways-to-donate/.